Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery — Restaurant in Des Moines

I recently ate here and had a bad experience with a server. This used to be a favorite of mine but I just don’t appreciate the lack of communication within the restaurant.

I had a server take my drink order, a different server take my food order and was not spoken to until the food was delivered.

When we tried to order a second drink we were told by our server who initially greeted us when we sat was that she “doesn’t take drink orders- the bar does”. She had a really pointed and nasty reaction.

The interaction was so uncomfortable.. the person I was with immediately apologized and the server ignored her and walked away.

Although yes- I know as an ex waitress the food runners generally don’t take orders.. i also know the next step would be for the food runner just to track down the ACTUAL server to put it in the POS. If it was the expectation to walk up to the bar and place drink orders I would have done that to. But I’ve been eating here for years and they have never asked me to do that.

We had been served by 3+ people and the person I was eating with is visually impaired. All the servers had long, dark hair and I had already explained that we were being served by different people and not to be confused throughout the meal.

The drink that we were then served after the awkward interaction was a “Moscow mule” that was entirely ginger beer.

At that point the miscommunication had gotten so out of hand there was no point in asking for a refund. We just paid (and tipped because we’re not monsters) and left. Never coming back 👍🏼

Response to the owner: the person who was rude ran us our drinks. Unless the staff is allowing the 15 year old food runner to...

We were welcomed upon arrival. Offered to sit wherever we choose. Service was prompt. The servers were very attentive. (Nick)

On to the drinks: I order a flight of whiskey and make my selections. 3 2oz top shelf whiskeys for a mere $12! Lovely! I order a crisp Stella for myself, and an oh so smooth Coors Banquet for my wife! Our drinks arrived in less than 2 minutes! Magnificent!

We asked for an extra moment to consider to our meal choices. The server departed for 180 seconds and returned with a welcoming smile! I place an order for pountine and ask for another moment to select our entrée. When our server returns, again with that pleasant smile, I place our orders.

For my wife, the Southside Famous Bowl. For myself, the Asian PBnJ Burger. The Southside Famous Bowl was more pleasing than I anticipated. The aromas, the visual presentation, and the flavors spoke entirely for themselves!

Please, allow your mind to open as I explain this Asian PBnJ Burger to you! I won't disrespect this fine establishment by divulging their ingredients, but I will, however, tell you that this Burger will make you reconsider all you thought you knew about the Burger world!

It's such a pleasant culinary experience. The sweet and savory explosion you will receive will undoubtedly please your many thousand taste buds! I must say, I was extremely pleased by the experience.

My only gripe, is the Touch Tunes doesn't play explicit music.

Look for my reviews: Fb: Makelio LeMak IG:...

Finally made it after 8 years of never having time— totally worth the wait! I’ve wanted to try out the The Angry Goldfish for about 8 years now, but life with five kids and moving out of Des Moines life just never gave us the chance — until now. With all the kids finally busy, my partner and I made it a date night, and I’m so glad we did. I don’t usually leave written reviews, but this place absolutely deserves one.

We were really impressed with everything from the service to the drinks to the food. I had the fish and chips, which looked even better than the menu photo — perfectly crispy, full of flavor, and piping hot. The fries were good too (I added a bit of salt), crispy and hot, just the way they should be.

We also ordered the fried pickles and the Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese dip. Both were served hot, fresh, and overflowing — delicious! My partner got the mac and cheese, which was creamy, flavorful, and came with its own soft pretzel on the side. No complaints there either.

As for drinks — we tried mojitos, Moscow mules, and a vodka + Sprite + cranberry mix. All of them were well-made and super refreshing.

Honestly, the prices were very reasonable — most meals were in the $10–14 range. For the quality, service, and experience, it’s not much more than fast food, but so much better.

If they had a t-shirt for sale, I would’ve bought it — and I’d happily tell anyone who saw me wearing it that this is a great place to eat. Can’t...